Can a business or other organisation record or monitor my phone calls or e-mail correspondence with them?
Yes they can, but only in a limited set of circumstances relevant for that business which have been defined by the LBP Regulations (see above). The main ones are: • to provide evidence of a business transaction • to ensure that a business complies with regulatory procedures • to see that quality standards or targets are being met • in the interests of national security • to prevent or detect crime • to investigate the unauthorised use of a telecom system • to secure the effective operation of the telecom system In addition, businesses can monitor, but not record, phone calls or e-mails that have been received to see whether they are relevant to the business. For further information visit the DTI website where the LBP Regulations are posted. Any interception of employees’ communications must be proportionate and in accordance with Data Protection principles. The Information Commissioner has published a Data Protection Code on “Monitoring at Work”, designed to help employers comply with
